Santa Clara County supervisors to consider cellphone tracking system
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Santa Clara County supervisors will get an earful from residents when they hold a public hearing on plans to buy a new cellphone tracking device. Supporters say it would help police catch criminals, while critics say it chips away at privacy rights.
These tools are designed to find a person's cellphone. The sheriff's office is urging supervisors to buy the $500,000 system called Stingray. Law enforcement officials say the technology could help find missing people. It would also be used to track down criminals. Opponents argue the tools infringe on privacy.
"We have no intentions of using this type of technology to eavesdrop on people. The California constitution, the California laws are very specific about when we can listen to private conversations," said Santa Clara County Sheriff's Sgt. Kurtis Stenderup.
The idea to get Stingrays came about following the disappearance of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar back in 2012. She vanished on her way to school. A judge would have to approve a search warrant before the device could be used unless it was a life or death situation.
Some other Bay Area police agencies use this type of tracking technology. The proposal goes before Santa Clara County supervisors later today for a vote.
